Objectives

Module 1: Using the Library

This module will help you get acquainted with UI&U's library services and resources.

When you have completed this module, you should know how to:

• check out books
• use interlibrary loan & document delivery services
• find the UI&U Library Web site
• access library resources remotely
• contact a reference librarian for assistance
• complete an online library registration form

Module 2: Identifying Sources

This module covers types of information sources you can use for your topic

When you have completed this module you should be able to:

• identify a variety of information sources
• select sources for research
• identify characteristics of information on the Web
• identify characteristics of library resources

Module 3: Choosing a Topic

This module covers topic selection and how to identify keywords to search your topic

When you have completed this module you should be able to:

• broaden or narrow a topic
• identify the key concepts of a topic
• brainstorm alternative keywords for a topic
• develop a research question

Module 4: Searching Basics

This module covers the fundamentals of searching databases.

When you have completed this module you should be able to:

• understand how a database is organized
• use connectors and truncation in constructing a search
• understand the difference between keyword and subject searching
• recognize two types of library databases

Module 5: Finding Books

This module covers how to search UI&U's library catalog.

When you have completed this module you should be able to:

• recognize that the online catalog contains more than books
• find books by title, author, or subject heading
• find books on a topic using a keyword search
• access your library account
• expand your book search beyond the UI&U library catalog

Module 6: Finding Articles

This module covers how to use article databases to identify articles on a topic.

After completing this module you should be able to:

• distinguish between popular and scholarly periodicals
• know the difference between primary and secondary sources
• choose an article database appropriate to your information need
• use it to identify an article on a topic
• use a database's email function to send a record to yourself
• use the Search for Full Text link to locate a full text article in another database
• search the Journals A-Z Directory to find full text of known articles

Module 7: Evaluating Sources

When you have completed this module, you should be able to:

• understand that finding information is not the end of research
• evaluate information sources for currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose
• know when an information source is appropriate for your research

Module 8: Citing Sources

This module covers citing sources, plagiarism, and copyright.

When you have completed this module of Searchpath, you should be able to:

• recognize different parts of a citation
• describe when to cite sources used in your work
• list ways to avoid plagiarism
• understand the reasons for copyright